Scholarships
Our goal is to make it possible for each and every band student to fully participate in the Pioneer Band Program. Knowing that the financial burden is difficult for some families, the PBA annually provides scholarships for Pioneer students for band camp tuition, travel, and many other band related expenses, based on need. If payments of any kind ever become difficult, we strongly encourage band families to speak confidentially to the Director of Bands. Financial assistance and scholarships may be available.
Band Camp Scholarships: [Need based] Provide credits for the band camp fee.
General Assistance Scholarships: [Need based] Provide credits toward program activities.
David A. Leach Scholarship: [Need based] Provides funds to ensure that all students, regardless of ability to pay, can attend band camp.
Albritton Scholarship: [Merit based] In honor of Robert Albritton's 20 years of service to the Pioneer High School Bands, this is a cash award given annually to a deserving band student who will be returning to the band program. The scholarship must be used for an outside music camp or program experience.
Nancy Waring Award: [Need based] In honor of Nancy Waring’s 24-year career as Associate Director of Bands at Pioneer High School, a cash award will be given to a current band student in grades 9-12 to further their musical growth. Details can be found on the application.
Joel Brahce Award: [Merit based] In memory of Dr. Joel Brahce, a 1976 graduate of Pioneer High School, who played tuba, was a drum major candidate, and soloed at Interlochen. To honor his lifelong passion for music, a cash award will be given to a current student in grades 9-11 to attend Pioneer Band Camp.
Annual Awards
To recognize outstanding students within the band program in the Pioneer Bands, several different awards and honors have been established. Some of these are recognized only within our school district while others are national awards that carry a great deal of prestige. Regardless of the level of distinction of the award or honor, it is the hope of the directors that all students will strive for excellence. Information regarding these awards is available from the band directors, or via the links below. Awards are presented annually at the Spring Band Banquet.
John Philip Sousa Award: The John Philip Sousa Award to honors our most deserving band member. The Sousa Award recognizes superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty and cooperation. In short, the qualities directors strive to develop in all students.
Patrick S. Gilmore Award: The Patrick S. Gilmore Award, named for the American bandleader of the Civil War, it is presented annually to the runner-up to the Sousa Award.
Director's Award: This award is chosen by the Director of the Varsity Band & Concert Band White. It is awarded to a student who has gone beyond the normal classroom expectations, to someone who leads by example and enriches the foundation of our band program.
Louis Armstrong Award: Louis Armstrong introduced listeners around the world to jazz. Highlighting the excitement and appreciation students are developing for jazz, this award is presented to our most outstanding jazz performer each year.
Woody Herman Award: Because the Louis Armstrong Award is limited to the top jazz performer, and because it takes more than one performer to make a successful jazz ensemble, the Woody Herman Award is a way for directors to honor other jazz students for their contributions to the jazz program.
The Pioneer Music Department's Robert Albritton Leadership in Music Award: In honor of Robert Albritton's twenty years of service to the Pioneer High School Bands, this award is given on a rotating basis annually to a senior music student, in a vote by peers in the Pioneer bands, orchestras, or choirs.
Band Camp Awards
The following awards are given annually at Band Camp
Best New Marcher (one brass/perc & one woodwind): This award goes to a new band member whom the Director feels has exemplified the best marching technique during band camp.
Best Old Marcher (one brass/perc & one woodwind): This award goes to a returning member whom the Director feels has exemplified the best marching technique during band camp.
Best New Musician (one brass/perc & one woodwind): This award goes to a new band member whom the Director feels has made the most improvement musically over the course of the year.
Best Old Musician (one brass/perc & one woodwind): This award goes to a returning band member whom the Director feels has made the most improvement musically over the course of the year.
Best New Camper (2 awarded): This award goes to a new band member whom the Director feels has exemplified the best overall camp experience.